Putin moving troops, equipment to Russian border with North Korea

(NationalSentinel) War Drums: Perhaps in anticipation of a conflict on the Korean peninsula, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered troops, armor and helicopters to reinforce the country’s border with North Korea.

Britain’s The Sun newspaper is reporting that footage shows a mass military mobilization in the region of Vladivostok, near Russia’s 11-mile border with North Korea:

Video footage is said to show one of three trains loaded with military equipment moving towards the 11 mile-long land frontier between Russia and the repressive state.

Another scene shows military helicopter appearing to move towards the North Korean border and manoeuvres across rough terrain by army combat vehicles.

Other reports suggest there have been military moves by road as well.

Like China, which also has reportedly moved forces to its border with North Korea, Russia would likely face an exodus of North Korean refugees should war break out on the peninsula, and the troop movements are very likely in response to that potential scenario, not as an offensive force aimed at assisting Pyongyang. Given the circumstances, it’s a prudent move.

“Railway trains loaded with military equipment moving towards Primorsky region via Khabarovsk have been noticed by locals,” reported primemedia.ru in the Russian far East – linking the development to the North Korean crisis.

Screen grab: YouTube

“The movement of military equipment by different means of transport to southern areas is being observed across Primorsky region over the past week,” said military veteran Stanislva Sinitsyn.

“Many relate this to the situation in the Korean peninsula.

“The video shows artillery systems that either support troops in assault or meet the aggressor.”

He said: “The movement of military equipment means that authorities of our country are keeping up with the situation – and take appropriate measures.”

The movements were “a preventive but necessary” measure.

Screen grab: YouTube

“If the situation worsens, especially related to military events, the armed forces of all the neighbouring countries obviously monitor it more closely, and we are no exception.

“It is not the first time that North Korea has broken the peace in the region, that’s why this situation deserves attention.”

Officially, the Kremlin has not given any reason for the troop movements.

Also, Putin has been warned, The Sun reported, that any strike on North Korea’s nuclear facilities could result in radioactive fallout reaching Russia territory very quickly.

Experts say they don’t yet believe that Pyongyang has an ICBM capable of reaching the United States, though leader Kim Jong-un has said he hoped to test one later this year. But the U.S. doesn’t appear willing to wait until Kim does develop one – and the means to put a nuclear warhead atop such a missile.

The Russian troop movements are another signal that the United States is serious about dealing with North Korea militarily, as one and possibly three carrier groups now are steaming towards Korean waters.

Like this:

Trending Politics

7

Leave a Reply

Connect with

I allow to create an account

When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.

DisagreeAgree

This comment form is under antispam protection

1Comment threads

0Thread replies

0Followers

Most reacted comment

Hottest comment thread

Connect with

I allow to create an account

When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.